My Genealogy Hound

William W. McClay, a farmer and stock raiser, was born in Will County, Ill., February 4, 1853. His father, David McClay, was a native of Vermont, who went to Illinois when a young man, and there married Jane M. Rowe, of that State. His home in Illinois was in Will County, near Joliet. W. W. McClay moved to Missouri with his parents in 1859, locating in Adair County, where he grew to manhood, spending his youth on the farm. After arriving at maturity, he married Mary Melvina Howk, November 3, 1872, who was a daughter of John Howk, one of the pioneers and prominent farmers of Wilson Township. After his marriage he farmed in Salt River Township for a number of years. He ventured into mercantile life twice, once in 1873, in Brashear, selling out, however, in a short time. The second time he remained in the business two years, but finally sold out, and purchased the land upon which he now lives. He has 240 acres in his home place in a fine state of cultivation, and thirty-five acres of timber in another tract. He has a small house, not very much improved. Mr. and Mrs. McClay have a family of five children: Clarence G., Elma C., Laura A., Levina E. and Jerusha E. They have lost three children in infancy. Mrs. McClay is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her husband belongs to the Knights of Labor. Their son, Clarence, who is mentioned above, is a remarkably bright and intelligent little boy, well advanced in his studies for a child of twelve years, and averaging 95 per cent in his studies while at the Brashear Academy.